Chicago: Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner River Cruise

For those seeking a truly unique and indulgent dining experience in the heart of Chicago, the Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner River Cruise offers a delightful opportunity to savor exquisite cuisine while taking in the city’s breathtaking riverfront views. Featuring celebrity-chef inspired menus and impeccable service, this immersive culinary journey promises to elevate any special occasion or casual gathering. Whether you opt for a leisurely brunch, a mid-day lunch, or an elegant dinner, the Chicago Gourmet River Cruise is sure to leave a lasting impression on your palate and your senses.

This experience made our list of the 14 Best Dinner Tours In Chicago.

Key Points

• The Chicago Gourmet River Cruise offers a 2-2.5 hour dining experience along the Chicago River, featuring brunch, lunch, or dinner options.
• The cruise showcases iconic riverfront architecture and provides architectural narration to enhance the experience.
• The menus feature celebrity-chef inspired dishes, with a focus on fresh ingredients and impeccable presentation.
• The cruise includes amenities such as unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, professional photography, and wheelchair accessibility.
• The cruise has an overall rating of 4.6/5 based on reviews, praised for its attentive crew and high-quality cuisine.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

The Chicago Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner River Cruise offers an immersive dining experience, with prices starting from €101.29 per person.

This 2 to 2.5-hour cruise along the Chicago River provides stunning views of the city’s iconic architecture from the comfort of a glass-enclosed dining area.

Guests can choose from a variety of options, including a weekend brunch, lunch, or dinner service.

The non-refundable cancellation policy ensures that the cruise operates as scheduled.

The meeting point for the experience is the City Cruises kiosk on the Chicago River Esplanade, conveniently located in front of the NBC Tower.

With its carefully curated menus and scenic backdrops, this river cruise promises an unforgettable dining adventure in the heart of Chicago.

Experience and Highlights

Guests aboard the Chicago Gourmet River Cruise can enjoy the city’s iconic riverfront architecture, with the option to savor a celebrity-chef inspired brunch, lunch, or dinner menu while enjoying architectural narration during the cruise. The experience offers a variety of enticing options, from the serene weekend brunch to the lively dinner cruise with an onboard DJ. Diners can indulge in expertly crafted dishes, such as jumbo lump crab cakes, braised beef short rib, and decadent desserts. The cruise also showcases the city’s vibrant culture, with the opportunity to witness the Navy Pier fireworks display during the summer months.

Brunch	Lunch	Dinner
Weekend brunch menu	Celebrity-chef inspired cuisine	Onboard DJ entertainment
Architectural narration	Scenic river views	Navy Pier fireworks (summer)
Serene atmosphere	2-hour cruise duration	Dressy-casual attire

Dinner Menu Highlights

Diners aboard the Chicago Gourmet River Cruise can savor a carefully curated dinner menu featuring a range of expertly prepared starters, entrees, and desserts.

To whet the appetite, guests can choose from classic Caesar salad or indulgent lobster soup.

For the main course, the menu offers a selection of mouth-watering dishes, including jumbo lump crab cakes, succulent chicken breast, hearty braised beef short rib, and delicate mushroom ravioli.

Concluding the meal on a sweet note, diners can delight in creamy cheesecake, refreshing seasonal sorbet, rich chocolate cake, or the decadent warm butter cake.

With impeccable service and breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline, the dinner cruise provides a truly gourmet dining experience on the water.

Brunch Menu Highlights

A delectable brunch menu awaits guests aboard the Chicago Gourmet River Cruise, boasting a tantalizing selection of starters, entrées, and desserts.

Diners can begin their meal with refreshing Caesar salad, savory smoked salmon, or a creamy yogurt parfait.

The main course offerings include the signature shakshuka, juicy chicken breast, fluffy scrambled eggs, and decadent French toast – all prepared with the freshest ingredients and served with impeccable presentation.

For a sweet finale, indulge in classics like cheesecake, flan, and chocolate mud pie, or savor the bright, seasonal flavors of the fresh fruit.

With breathtaking views of Chicago’s iconic skyline, this brunch cruise promises an unforgettable dining experience.

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Lunch Menu Highlights

Complementing the picturesque riverfront views, the lunch menu aboard the Chicago Gourmet River Cruise offers a selection of expertly crafted dishes.

Guests can start their meal with a refreshing Caesar salad, setting the stage for a range of enticing main course options.

For the main course, diners can choose from delectable dishes such as ravioli, chicken breast, salmon, and braised beef short rib, each thoughtfully prepared to showcase the freshest, high-quality ingredients.

To conclude the meal on a sweet note, the menu features a variety of tempting desserts, including creamy cheesecake, refreshing fruit sorbet, and rich chocolate cake.

The lunch cruise provides a delightful dining experience complemented by the stunning vistas of Chicago’s iconic skyline.

Included Amenities and Services

The Chicago Gourmet River Cruise includes a 2-hour cruise along the city’s picturesque waterways, as well as a 3-course meal prepared by the on-board culinary team.

Guests can enjoy unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea throughout their experience, and a service fee is also covered in the ticket price.

Plus, alcoholic beverages are available for purchase, and professional photographs of the cruise can be purchased as a memento.

The cruise is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that all guests can enjoy the stunning views of Chicago’s riverfront architecture from the glass-enclosed dining area.

Guests are encouraged to dress in dressy-casual attire, with jeans and flip-flops discouraged, to maintain the sophisticated ambiance of the experience.

Dress Code and Accessibility

Guests are encouraged to dress in dressy-casual attire when attending the Chicago Gourmet River Cruise, as the experience aims to maintain a sophisticated ambiance. Jeans and flip-flops are discouraged, allowing the cruise to provide a refined and elevated atmosphere for its diners. Plus, the cruise is designed to be wheelchair accessible, ensuring that all guests can fully enjoy the stunning views of Chicago’s riverfront architecture from the glass-enclosed dining area.

Dress Code	Accessibility
Dressy-casual attire	Wheelchair accessible
Jeans and flip-flops discouraged	Glass-enclosed dining area
Sophisticated ambiance	Stunning views of riverfront architecture
Refined and elevated atmosphere	Ensures all guests can fully enjoy the experience
Maintains a sophisticated dining experience	Provides an inclusive and accessible option

Customer Reviews and Ratings

The Chicago Gourmet River Cruise has garnered a strong 4.6/5 rating based on 73 reviews, reflecting its ability to consistently deliver an exceptional dining experience for guests.

Reviewers praise the crew’s attentiveness and professionalism, particularly in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience even during inclement weather.

The high-quality, celebrity-chef inspired cuisine and pleasant ambiance of the glass-enclosed dining area have also been highlighted by customers.

Many note the cruise’s suitability for a variety of occasions, from team outings to solo travel.

For larger groups, advanced reservations are recommended to secure seating together.

With its combination of delectable food, scenic views, and exemplary service, the Chicago Gourmet River Cruise has earned its reputation as a must-try attraction for visitors and locals alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cruise Available on Weekdays or Just Weekends?

The cruise is available on both weekdays and weekends, according to the overview information provided. The experience options include lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch cruises, indicating it operates throughout the week.

Can I Make Special Dietary Requests for the Meals?

Yes, special dietary requests can typically be accommodated for meals on this river cruise. Guests should inform the cruise operator of any dietary needs or restrictions when making their reservation to ensure their preferences are met.

Are Private Event Bookings or Group Packages Available?

Yes, private event bookings and group packages are available for this dining cruise experience. The cruise can accommodate larger groups and offers a range of catering options to cater to the needs of private parties.

Is There an Age Limit or Minimum Age Requirement for the Cruise?

The Chicago river cruise does not have an age limit or minimum age requirement. Passengers of all ages are welcome to enjoy the cruise and dining experience. However, some restrictions may apply for unaccompanied minors.

Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Beverages Onboard?

No, bringing your own alcoholic beverages is generally not permitted on most cruise ships and river cruises. The cruise operator typically has an exclusive liquor license and sells alcoholic drinks on board. Bringing outside alcohol is usually prohibited for liability and safety reasons.

Recap

The Chicago Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner River Cruise offers a delightful culinary experience along the Chicago River.

Featuring celebrity-chef inspired menus and breathtaking views of the city skyline, the cruise provides a memorable dining experience.

With a duration of 2 to 2.5 hours, guests can enjoy a three-course meal while soaking in the iconic riverfront architecture.

The cruise is wheelchair accessible, making it a suitable choice for various occasions.

You can check if your dates are available here: